Our babies were born yesterday, February 3rd, 2020 via emergency C-section. Contractions started Sunday morning and eased up with meds until very early, middle of the night, Monday morning. They got to be 5 minutes apart and an 8/10 pain level. I called Jay at 3:09am to let him know the Nurse was calling the doctor. I called him back at 3:18 to let him know I was getting prepped for the c-section.
Emalyn (Emi) Rose was born 1 lb 10 oz. at 4:24am and John Richard Jr (Baby Jay) was born 1 lb 14 oz. at 4:25am.
Jay made it to the hospital just in time. Emi was pulled out first and she was crying. Baby Jay was pulled out and they both were immediately met by the NICU team and taken care of. While Mama was being taken care of, Daddy got to go with the babies.
It all happened so fast and seemed surreal. I was in shock all day yesterday. My doctor did an amazing surgery and I am healing just fine!
Baby Jay had to get a breathing tube put down his throat. He was not ready to come out yet. Since Emi wasn’t surrounded by all of her fluid, she was already stressed, so she was able to handle the birth process easier. Sounds crazy, but whatever.
The doctors and NICU team were very impressed on how they were doing for being born at 25 weeks and 3 days. Music to our ears after the week we had.
This has been the scariest week and half for us. The emotions are all over the place. Jay has been amazing at dealing with home (our dogs) and coming to the hospital. He is here all the time. We are so thankful to everyone helping out with Remi and Levi!! Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️

The outpouring of love, flowers, balloons, texts, messages, visits and phone calls have been so wonderful and appreciated. We truly thank you for loving all of us. The prayers, positive vibes and healthy healing love being sent has helped dramatically too! Our babies are doing so well. Baby Jay got his breathing tube taken out this morning and has kept it out all day.
They both are receiving oxygen which is expected and will for a long time. Their bilirubin levels were high enough where they needed a special light. Which is also normal.
Emi was sucking on a pacifier today while they were feeding her. She can suckle!! So exciting!! I got to hold the tiny syringe while she ate. So special 🥰❤️
I also got to help feed Baby Jay while he held onto my finger!! That was so special. It’s so hard not being able to hold them yet. But, little steps are going to be what gets us and them through the next few months.
Jay got to hold up Baby Jay after he was born. And cut his umbilical cord shorter. 🥰💕❤️ So so awesome.
We are so in love with our precious little angels! They are being taken care of by the best care team possible. Our faith is now with the NICU team taking care of them since they are not in me anymore.
I am learning how to pump breast milk (very little) right now so the babies can use it. It is very important for their growth. I will keep trying!
We know rest is important right now for my healing, but it hasn’t been easy. Adrenaline first and then pure exhaustion next. But this afternoon Jay and I came up from seeing the babies and laid down and slept for a good 4 hours. It was awesome.
Well, we know you are all helping however you can and have been waiting for an update. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!! ❤️💗💙❤️
We also know these next few months will not be easy but it will be worth it! I know I will be spending my days next to my babies sides watching them grow until they are able to come home. Jay will be there as much as he can since one of us has to keep working.
I will update in a few days or so. If you call or text and don’t get a response, please don’t take it personal at all. It’s a very emotional time and sometimes I’m up for it and sometimes I’m not. I will get back to you though. I/we are fine. Promise! We are really strong partners and are taking care of each other. 💕❤️
We are not ready to share photos yet, but will in the next week or so.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Really!!
XOXO,

April, Jay, Emi and Jay Jr. 💕💗💙❤️👧👶